It took two tries, but the Livonia Planning Commission recently recommended approval of a plan to replace the former CB Swim Club with single-family residences.

The commission unanimously approved a plan to construct several clustered condominiums at the site, 28200 Lyndon, at its most recent meeting June 27. The plan would see nine single-family attached condos on the site, which would be dubbed Bishop Estates.

The vote was taken after little discussion from commissioners, though several residents who live near the site spoke out against the plan for several reasons.

Barbara Smith, who lives near the site, said the proposed plan did not appear to fit the neighborhood and could have an adverse effect on area property values.

"I think putting eight or nine additional residences there is too many in a small spot. Like so many others have said, our property values are finally starting to go up," she said. "I’ve never seen anyone ever there doing anything. Something needs to be done, but I don’t think that’s the answer."

Several other residents clamored to have the swim club cleaned up, saying the club remains a hazard for the area and is an eyesore.

Pat Robinette, who lives on nearby Oakley, said the property has remained in poor condition for quite some time.

"As you can see, there are trees growing through the pool, there are 55-gallon drums floating in the pool, there’s ducks living in the pool," Robinette said. "They’ve done nothing to improve the site, they’ve let it fester. It’s a mosquito hazard."

The club closed in 2007.

Brian Duggan, a representative for the Livonia-based Soave/Oro Construction who also works as a Realtor, said he's seen no evidence that putting condos in the neighborhood would have an impact on the surrounding homes' property values.

He said it's his thought property values would also increase once the former swim club is removed.

"If the values of the homes are going up now, as I’m hearing, with an eyesore, imagine how much they’ll go up once you get rid of that stuff and you have a condo or houses in there," he said.

Second time's the charm

The planning commission denied a plan back in May to put three single-family condominiums at the site in a first wave of construction. The commission showed concern over developing the site in phases and asked to see a more complete plan.

The new plan would also include the addition of a private road servicing the neighborhood, as well as a retention pond for the development.

Duggan said the prices for the condos have not been set, but said he wouldn't be surprised if they sell in the mid-$200,000s or low $300,000s price range.

"We’re not going to sell it for $100,000," he said. "It cost more than that to build."

The plans now move on to the city council for its review and final approval.